Las Vegas to Savannah Turbulence Forecast

LAS → SAV · 1,952 miles · ~4h 24m

What to Expect

Flying east from Las Vegas (LAS) to Savannah (SAV) means crossing a wide variety of landscapes, and each one can contribute to turbulence. Initially, you'll be over the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, where rising hot air, called thermal turbulence, can cause some initial bumps. As you continue, you'll encounter the Southern Rockies, where mountain wave turbulence might occur as air flows over the peaks. The Great Plains are next, an area known for clear-air turbulence (CAT), which is often unexpected but usually not severe. Depending on the time of year, Tornado Alley can bring severe convective turbulence from thunderstorms. Further along, the Ozark Plateau and the Mississippi Valley can create convective turbulence as well. Finally, the Southeast Interior might also have convective turbulence. Pilots are highly trained to monitor and manage these conditions, adjusting altitude or course to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

The Las Vegas to Savannah route passes over the Southern Rockies in New Mexico and southern Colorado. While somewhat lower than the peaks to the north, these mountains still produce notable mountain wave turbulence, particularly when strong southwesterly winds aloft align perpendicular to the ridgeline.

Turbulence Factors on This Route

• Thermal Turbulence: Extreme desert heating generates strong thermal updrafts that cause low-to-mid-level turbulence, especially in summer afternoons.
• Mountain Wave Turbulence: The Southern Rockies produce lee waves when southwesterly upper-level winds flow across the terrain.
• Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT): The jet stream frequently meanders over the Great Plains, producing wind shear and clear-air turbulence at cruising altitudes.
• Severe Convective Turbulence: Tornado Alley supercells produce some of the most intense convective turbulence in North American aviation.

When Is This Route Bumpiest?

For the smoothest possible flight, aim for late fall or winter. During these months, the air tends to be more stable over much of the route. Summer, late winter, spring, early spring, and early summer are the bumpiest periods on this route. Hot temperatures over the deserts create thermal turbulence. Springtime brings storm systems through Tornado Alley and the Mississippi Valley. These can create significant convective turbulence. Mountain wave turbulence over the Rockies is also more common during the late winter and early spring months as winds strengthen.

Tips for This Flight

If you're concerned about turbulence, booking a morning flight is often your best bet, as the air tends to be calmer before the day heats up and storms develop. Any turbulence you encounter on this route will likely feel like driving on a slightly bumpy road or the sensation of mild to moderate waves on a boat. For added comfort, choose a seat over the wing, which tends to experience less motion, and remember to stay well-hydrated to help your body cope with any unexpected movement. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths, and remind yourself that turbulence is a normal part of flying that experienced pilots handle routinely.

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Forecasts based on NOAA HRRR and GFS atmospheric model data.